keeping this country at the forefront of research, technology and clean energy. putting people back to work rebuilding our roads and bridges and schools. and reducing our deficit and the balance in a responsible way. we face a very clear deadline that requires us to make some big decisions on jobs, taxes, and deficits by the end of the year. both parties voted to set this deadline. i believe that both parties can work together to make these decisions in a balanced and responsible way. yesterday, i had a chance to meet with labor and civic leaders to meet about their input. today, i am meeting with ceos from america's largest companies. and i will meet with leaders of both parties of congress before the week is out. there is only one way to solve the challenges, and that is to do it together. as i have said before, i am open to compromise, and i am open to ideas. i have been encouraged over the past week to hear republican after republican agree on the need for more revenue from the wealthiest americans as part of our arithmetic, if we are going to be serious abou